Cookie Outlet

Location: 5 Bermondsey Rd. near O'Connor Dr.

Date photo taken: 6 May 2014

I'm not sure what else there is to say about this. My days of exploration around the city often involve what I like to smilingly refer to as epic walks. At the end of 6 or 7 hours of walking, finding a good bar or restaurant is often key but one day last spring, reward took the form of discount cookies. Across the street from the old Peek Freans factory, this place offers all sorts of bulk delights, as long as you don't mind if your treats are a little off-sized or not perfectly round. I'm not one to mind! Om nom nom!

NeaTO: Bermondsey Street may be so named because of the association with Peek Freans. The cookie company originated in the Bermondsey area of London, and when they expanded operations to this newly opened business park, they may have been granted some say in naming the adjacent street.

Confederation Life Dragon

 

Location: Richmond Street facade of the old Confederation Life Building, near the Yonge St. corner

Date photo taken: 4 April 2013

 

The imposing structure at the north east corner of Yonge and Richmond was built by the Confederation Life Association in 1892 and served as their offices until 1955. The building was one of the tallest in Toronto at the time and was built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, similar to nearby Old City Hall. The beautiful red sandstone was sourced from the nearby Credit Valley quarries and the lower levels are highly ornamented. This dragon is just one of many figures that can be seen near street level. Not all have fared as well - the sandstone is soft and is prone to weathering, especially in our tough climate.

Share the Love

Location: Eastern Avenue east of Lewis St.
Date photo taken: 7 December 2014

The Love Invasion is definitely spreading in Toronto. In 2013, NeaTO presented Lovebot, an art project by Matthew del Degan that sought to bring love and smiles to Toronto through the placement of small concrete figures. Now the invasion continues.

Various sized poster and sticker versions of Lovebot have appeared all over the city. This one cheers you as go under the rail overpass on Eastern Avenue, east of the Don River. Del Degan has said that he hopes that people see his creation as a hero of sorts, one whose mission "is to lovingly disrupt the robotic routines of humans and remind them that there is love in their cities and kindness around every corner". It seems that this hero has been successful in attracting others to his cause. The current set of stickers is sold out, but have no fear, a new set are in development.

Link

Location: Harbord Street near Clinton
Date photo taken: 26 December 2014

Not much to say here except I love it. It was like meeting an old friend on the street.